Only have a day or two in Tbilisi? Good news: the most beautiful part of the city is compact, and you can see a lot on foot if you plan it well. I show Tbilisi to guests almost every week, so here is the exact route I would follow myself – what to see, in which order, where to stop for coffee and where to watch the sunset.
If you are still planning your trip, read our Tbilisi travel tips first – metro, taxis, money and where to stay.
Tbilisi in 1 Day: The Old Town Route
This route covers the classic sights of Old Tbilisi. It is mostly walking, with one short cable car ride. Wear comfortable shoes – Tbilisi is built on hills.
Morning: Freedom Square, Kote Abkhazi Street and Sioni
Start at Freedom Square and walk down Kote Abkhazi Street (locals still call it Leselidze) towards the Old Town. On the way you pass Sioni Cathedral and the small Anchiskhati Basilica, the oldest surviving church in Tbilisi. Have your first Georgian coffee in one of the courtyards nearby.
Late Morning: Gabriadze Clock Tower and the Bridge of Peace
Just around the corner is the leaning clock tower of the Rezo Gabriadze Marionette Theatre – a fairy-tale building where a little angel comes out to ring the bell every hour. From there, walk to the glass Bridge of Peace over the Mtkvari River and into Rike Park.
Midday: Cable Car to Narikala Fortress and Mother of Georgia
Take the cable car from Rike Park up to Narikala Fortress. The ride is short, but the view over the river, the domes of the baths and the Old Town is one of the best in the city. From the top, walk along the ridge to the Mother of Georgia (Kartlis Deda) statue – she holds a bowl of wine for friends and a sword for enemies, which says a lot about Georgians.
Afternoon: Abanotubani, the Sulphur Baths and Meidan
Walk down from Narikala to Abanotubani, the bath district that gave Tbilisi its name (tbili means “warm”). If you want to try the sulphur baths, book a private room – evenings are the most popular time. For a break, sit down at the little café Leghvi (“fig”) – it has a lovely atmosphere.
Then continue to Meidan Square and the underground Meidan Bazaar for souvenirs, spices and churchkhela, and cross the bridge to Metekhi Church and the statue of King Vakhtang Gorgasali, the founder of Tbilisi.
Evening: Dinner and the Best Night View
For dinner, try real Georgian food at Maspindzelo, Machakhela or Pasanauri – order khinkali, khachapuri and mtsvadi. Afterwards, go up to the rooftop of the Tiflis Palace hotel just for the view: Tbilisi at night, with Narikala and Metekhi lit up, is unforgettable.
Tbilisi in 2 Days: Add These on Day Two
With a second day you can slow down and see the other side of Tbilisi – the big cathedral, Rustaveli Avenue and the creative districts.
Holy Trinity (Sameba) Cathedral
Start the morning at Sameba Cathedral in Avlabari, one of the largest Orthodox cathedrals in the world. Remember to dress modestly: women cover hair and shoulders, men wear long trousers.
Dry Bridge Market and Rustaveli Avenue
Walk or take a taxi to the Dry Bridge Market, an open-air flea market full of Soviet souvenirs, old cameras, paintings and jewellery (it is busiest at weekends). From there, stroll along Rustaveli Avenue, past the Opera House and the Parliament, and visit the Georgian National Museum to see the famous gold treasures (closed on Mondays).
Fabrika and the Chugureti District
In the afternoon cross the river to Fabrika, a former Soviet sewing factory turned into a creative hub with cafés, bars and street art. Nearby Aghmashenebeli Avenue has beautifully restored 19th-century buildings and plenty of places to eat.
Sunset at Mtatsminda Park
Finish the day on Mtatsminda, the mountain above the city. Ride the funicular up for a panoramic view of the whole of Tbilisi at sunset.
Have a Third Day? Take a Day Trip
Tbilisi is the perfect base for day trips. Our favourites:
- Mtskheta and Jvari – Georgia’s ancient capital, only about 30 minutes away. See our Mtskheta, Gori and Uplistsikhe day trip.
- Kakheti – wine, family wineries and Sighnaghi. Read our Kakheti wine tour guide.
- Kazbegi – the high Caucasus and Gergeti Trinity Church. Read how to get from Tbilisi to Kazbegi.
Tips for Seeing Tbilisi in a Short Time
- Stay in the Old Town so you can walk everywhere and save time on taxis.
- Use Bolt for longer distances – it is cheap and reliable.
- Start early. The Old Town is quiet and beautiful in the morning, before the tour groups arrive.
- Don’t over-plan. Leave time to get lost in the courtyards and side streets – that is where Tbilisi is at its best.
- Go with a local. On our private Tbilisi city tour you hear the stories behind each place and skip the guesswork.
Things to Do in Tbilisi: FAQ
Is one day enough for Tbilisi?
One day is enough to see the highlights of the Old Town – Narikala, the sulphur baths, the Bridge of Peace and Metekhi. Two days let you add Sameba Cathedral, Rustaveli Avenue, Fabrika and Mtatsminda at a relaxed pace.
What is the best area to explore on foot?
Old Tbilisi: Sololaki, Abanotubani, Kala and the riverside around Rike Park. Most of the main sights are within walking distance of each other.
What is the best time of day to see Tbilisi?
Early morning for quiet streets and good photos, and the evening for the city lights – Narikala and Metekhi are beautifully lit at night.
Can I combine Tbilisi with a wine tour?
Yes. Many guests spend one or two days in Tbilisi and then take a day trip to Kakheti for wine tasting.
See Tbilisi With a Local Guide
Want someone to show you the hidden courtyards, tell you the legends and take you to the best khinkali in town? Message us on WhatsApp or book our Tbilisi city tour.
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